Study on Engine Characteristics Fuelled with Biodiesel and Acid Blends

Due to increase in vehicle population, energy crisis and declining reserves of crude oil, the demand for alternate fuels particularly the diesel is increasing. Biofuels, alcohol and acid additives are being given serious consideration as potential additive sources of energy in the future. In this research, the biodiesel is produced from Mahua (Madhcua Indica) oil through transesterification process. Then the biodiesel has been blended with diesel in various proportions to prepare a number of test fuels. Alcohol and acid additive used here are Ethanol and Acrylic acid (Emulsifier) respectively. Blends prepared and tested are B10 (10% Biodiesel and 90% Diesel), B15 (15% Biodiesel and 85% Diesel), B20 (20% Biodiesel and 80% Diesel), B30 (30% Biodiesel and 70% Diesel), E17+A3 (17% Ethanol, 3% Acrylic acid and 80% Diesel). Various fuel properties and performance parameters have been determined by fuelling test fuels in Kirloskar computerized IC Engine with eddy current dynamometer loading. Also emission characteristics like CO, CO2, NOX and HC contents have been measured by using Gas analyzer. These parameters of fuel blends are compared with that of Diesel (B0).